X09: Cleaning Product and Protocol

(2 points)

INTENT

Reduce exposure to pathogens, allergens and hazardous cleaning chemicals.   

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the restriction of hazardous or harmful ingredients in soap, shampoos, cleaning, disinfection and sanitization products as well as program training for staff, a plan for the maintenance of a cleaning schedule and a protocol for entryway cleaning and maintenance.

ISSUE

Commercial cleaning products may contain ingredients suspected to be hazardous to human health and the environment. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alkylphenol ethoxylate, a common surfactant used in various cleaning products is associated with endocrine disruption in lab studies. Cleaning product ingredients can also contain vapors or gasses that irritate the nose, eyes, throat and lungs and can cause or trigger asthma attacks. Frequent use of household cleaning sprays is suspected to be a risk factor for adult asthma. A study of 329 custodians found dermal as well as upper and lower respiratory symptoms associated with increased commercial cleaning product use and exposure. Some ingredients can also be corrosive, causing burns to the eyes or skin during handling.

Triclosan, one of the most well-studied biocides used in consumer hand hygiene products, is associated with cross-resistance to antibiotics in some laboratory studies. Although further studies are needed to determine efficacy and risks associated with biocides in consumer products, current findings have raised valid concerns on the use of biocides in consumer-facing products.

SOLUTIONS

The provision of safer alternatives to conventional cleaning products, which may otherwise contain hazardous ingredients, may reduce the risk of health symptoms. Training programs for staff, maintenance of a cleaning schedule and a protocol for entryway cleaning and maintenance further ensures safe and effective use of cleaning, disinfection and sanitization products.

IMPACT

Cleaning products can contain hazardous ingredients which compromise indoor air quality. Using products with ingredients that have been assessed for the most critical human health endpoints helps to improve indoor air quality and supports market demand for safer ingredients and improved product formulation.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Ensure Acceptable Cleaning Ingredients (1 point)

Verified by Operations Schedule

For All Spaces

Choose between the following:

Option 1. Low hazard cleaning products:

Cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, disinfection and sanitization products are not manufactured with ingredients classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the following endpoints:  

1. Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances:

   1. H340 (may cause genetic defects).
   2. H350 (may cause cancer).
   3. H360 (may damage fertility of the unborn child).

2. Systemic toxicity/organ effects:

   1. H372 (causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure).

3. Skin and respiratory irritation:   

   1. H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction).
   2. H334 (may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled).

Option 2. Cleaning product advocacy:

The following requirements are met:

1. Projects submit documentation demonstrating an attempt for procurement has been made for products free of ingredients classified under GHS hazard statements in Option 1. This includes a petition or formal request filed with at minimum three manufacturers/labels (per product category) who were unable to meet their needs. 

2. Projects are permitted to use cleaning products compliant with Type 1 environmental labels as defined by ISO 14024:1999 and developed by a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network in place of products free of ingredients classified under GHS hazard statements in Option 1.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for WELL Core and MFR Certification, projects should also provide service in all leased spaces.

Part 2

Implement Acceptable Cleaning Practices (1 point)

Verified by Operations Schedule

For All Spaces

Program training: 

Projects have an annual training program in place for facilities staff or providers that addresses the following requirements:

1. Sequence of cleaning steps and use of personal protective equipment.

2. Use of cleaning products and materials and related equipment (e.g., cleaning chemical dispensing equipment).
3. Selection of low hazard cleaning materials.

Cleaning protocol:

Projects implement a cleaning schedule that addresses the following:

1. Extent and frequency of cleaning, including dated cleaning logs.

2. Protocol for disinfection, including:

   1. Identification and maintenance of a list of high-touch surfaces.
   2. Limitation of disinfection to high-touch surfaces. 

Product storage:

Cleaning product storage meets the following requirements:

1. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products are kept in separate bins.

2. Any bins and bottles of bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products are affixed with large, color-coded labels indicating they are not to be mixed.

Note: Trainings must include culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate education. Trainings may be provided on-site, off-site or online; in group or individual settings; and through vendors, on-site staff, health insurance plans or programs, community groups or other qualified practitioners.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for WELL Core and MFR Certification, projects should also provide service in all leased spaces.

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